Mark 2:19
And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 29
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
5 of 29
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Μὴ
G3361
Μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 29
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱοὶ
the children
G5207
υἱοὶ
the children
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
9 of 29
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ᾧ
G3739
ᾧ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
13 of 29
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μεθ''
with
G3326
μεθ''
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
16 of 29
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 29
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
χρόνον
G5550
χρόνον
Strong's:
G5550
Word #:
21 of 29
a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a
μεθ''
with
G3326
μεθ''
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
22 of 29
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
ἑαυτῶν
them
G1438
ἑαυτῶν
them
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
23 of 29
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ἔχουσιν
they have
G2192
ἔχουσιν
they have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
24 of 29
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
25 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Jewish weddings were week-long celebrations featuring feasting, music, and joy. Wedding guests were released from certain religious obligations to participate fully. The bridegroom was the feast's center, honored and attended by special companions. Jesus' metaphor would have resonated immediately. The Old Testament frequently used marriage imagery for God's covenant relationship with Israel. Jesus applies this imagery to Himself, claiming messianic identity and inaugurating the new covenant.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing Jesus as bridegroom deepen your understanding of salvation as intimate relationship?
- What practical difference does Christ's presence make in your daily experience of joy?
- How does the marriage metaphor affect your understanding of devotion and faithfulness to Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus responds with a rhetorical question comparing His disciples to wedding guests ('children of the bridechamber'). Wedding guests don't fast during celebration because it's inappropriate. Jesus identifies Himself as the bridegroom, a messianic title rich with Old Testament significance. God repeatedly portrays Himself as Israel's husband (Isaiah 54:5; 62:5; Hosea 2:16). By claiming the bridegroom role, Jesus asserts deity and announces that the promised marriage between God and His people is being consummated in His ministry. Reformed theology sees the church as Christ's bride (Ephesians 5:25-27), experiencing betrothal now and consummation at His return.